Last year's guest, Hurricane Arthur, did not return for this year's Challenge St Andrews Triathlon weekend; instead athletes were treated to warm maritime temperatures and the beautiful scenery surrounding the resort community of St. Andrews-by-the-Sea.
In the Professional field, this year's event saw a larger field than in 2014 with 18 elite athletes competing. The first athlete out of the water in the elite field was Italian, Alberto Alessandroni, followed by John Kenny. After exiting Katy's Cove onto the bike, Alessandroni rocketed down the bike course on his way to a 2:12 bike split. As the Pro men came back into St. Andrews, Canada's Taylor Reid quickly took over the lead and sped out onto the run course. Reid looked comfortable and under control as he went on to a 1:13 run to claim the men's title with an overall time of 3:54:14.
In the women's Pro field, Canada's Melanie McQuaid took the lead from the start with a fast 23:23 swim, followed by Kristen Marchant, Isabelle Rouleau and Jillian Peterson. McQuaid, a multi-time World Champion and 5 time 70.3 champion continued to dominate the day as she entered the run course. Taylor Reid's teammate, Kristen Marchant, took off after McQuaid on the run and was able to take some time back, but it was not enough and McQuaid went on to take the women's title in 4:26:57.
Spectators also got the chance to see Rob Velhelst (Fireman Rob) race towards his Guinness World Record as he completed his 14th Half distance race this year. Amazingly, he does all of this while wearing full fire fighter gear on the run.
Results: Challenge St Andrews
Men
1. Taylor Reid (CAN) 3:54:14
2. Alberto Alessandroni (ITA) 4:03:46
3. Iain Alexandridis (USA) 4:06:50
4. Alistair Eeckman (USA) 4:09:20
5. John Kenny (USA) 4:10:11
Women
1. Melanie McQuaid (CAN) 4:26:57
2. Kristen Marchant (CAN) 4:29:21
3. Jillian Petersen (USA) 4:29:43
4. Isabelle Rouleau (CAN) 4:44:00 * F20-24
5. Charisa Wernick (USA) 4:44:16
